Legal Definitions - impedimenta dirimentia

Impedimenta dirimentia refers to a legal term that describes a fact or circumstance that prevents a marriage from being valid or binding. It is a type of diriment impediment, which means it is an absolute bar to marriage.

For example, if a person is already married, that is an impedimenta dirimentia that would prevent them from entering into another marriage. Other examples of impedimenta dirimentia include:

• Consanguinity within a prohibited degree (i.e. marrying a close relative)
• Legal incapacity (i.e. being underage or mentally incompetent)
• Undue influence or coercion

These examples illustrate how impedimenta dirimentia can prevent a marriage from being legally recognized. If any of these factors are present, the marriage would be considered void or voidable.